KEY SECTORS
CONSTRUCTION
There are approximately 645 construction companies with 5,000 employees based in West Lothian.
Despite a slowdown in the national house building and construction industries, activity has remained high within West Lothian and employment is still extremely significant to the local economy, with a GVA of £814 million.
The Council, in partnership with local housebuilders, have worked to re-energise the housebuilding sector, resulting in the number of house completions significantly increasing since 2011.
Core Development Areas within West Lothian have seen significant house build - Winchburgh is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the country, with over 3,400 houses planned to be delivered. The Heartlands will significantly increase the size of Whitburn, comprising 2,000 new houses and 100 acres of employment land. Calderwood at East Calder has the capacity for over 2,000 new homes and associated business and infrastructure.
West Lothian Construction Forum
The aim of the forum is to improve collaboration across the sector, encourage school leavers to join the industry, improve training and skills, increase supply chain opportunities, and support sustainability and environmental goals. The Forum meets on a monthly basis to discuss these issues, and consists of members from West Lothian Council, Business Gateway West Lothian, Skills Development Scotland, West Lothian College, and most importantly, local business owners within the Construction industry.
Gordon Bow Plant Hire
Based in East Mains Industrial Estate in Broxburn, Gordon Bow was established in 1982 and has developed to include engineering and plant hire subsidiaries.
The company works for leading private sector housing developers and local authorities. They currently employ around 110 people.
Ashwood Scotland
Ashwood Scotland was founded in 1999 by Managing Director Archie Meikle.
Ashwood have grown from a small-scale contractor to fulfilling multi million-pound contracts. An accredited living wage employer, Ashwood have also established the Ashwood Foundation, their charitable trusts that supports local worthwhile causes in West Lothian.